I’m in love, and the feeling is great.
Like my heart is expanding past the reaches of my chest to the larger world. It feels like something that’s always existed deep in my core, but now is allowed to take on a new life with refreshed eyes. A power that slowly accumulated over miles and miles of flights while exploring 60 countries throughout the world; crossing streams, climbing mountains, navigating busy cities and creating space for quietude in rural settings.
And, as I collected little nuggets of my soul along the way and rounded the bend into 2020, low and behold, there was a great thing patiently waiting. My love of home. My roots. Where I grew up and where I live today. Where much of my family thrives and where my community of friends support me. The beautiful Pacific Northwest.
January was wet and dark but I enjoyed every day spent in reflection of this amazing land:
- Visitors came from Denmark, inspiring a three day journey around the Olympic Peninsula that mixed all sorts of dramatic winter weather with stunning waves crashing on beached logs, grazing elk and moss covered forests.
- My mom encouraged me to learn more about my own city and explore some gardens in Seattle, even if it meant muddy shoes and cold hands.
- And I added another drive among the thousands in my lifetime between Seattle and Portland for a family baptism. Except this drive was a bit different and the notion struck to get off the car wash like Interstate 5 and wander along country roads. Rediscovering Mt. St. Helens felt wonderful after 30 years and even the industrial Longview, Washignton reshuffled some long-steeped perspectives.
My life to come will certainly welcome more exploration of the world, but a renewed love and freshened eyes for the magic and beauty omni-present in Oregon and Washington will begin to drive the mission of Kessi World:
Celebrating exploration around the Pacific Northwest, Kessi World inspires meaningful journeys that evolve beyond travel to a place of authentic connection.
Kessi World will share the love and provide helpful information on navigating the Pacific Northwest, combined with more thoughtful personal content, along with themes around authentic connection that might come from journeys anywhere in the world.
Speaking of love, it feels appropriate to wish Oregon “Happy Birthday,” as today the state turns 161 years old. And from my home to yours may you enjoy this special day expressing and experiencing love in the brightest way possible.
Matthew
